Fifteenth of *selected* excerpts from the English National Opera's production of Georg Friedrich Händel's 'Julius Caesar' ('Giulio Cesare in Egitto') [1984]. This version uses an excellent English translation by Brian Trowell of the libretto from the Italian original by Nicola Haym. Productions such as this one make a strong case for viable - nay, enjoyable and intelligible - English-language versions of non-English language operas.
Dame Janet Baker leads an excellent cast in performing this Baroque masterpiece, and holds forth marvellously, dispensing with aplomb ornamentations galore - besides creating a more three-dimensional Cesare.
In this excerpt, Cleopatra is held captive by her brother/husband/co-regent, King Ptolemy, and takes her final leave of her servants before her death, which looms near: 'Ladies, my faithful servants' ('Voi che mie fide ancelle').
Caesar and his soldiers arrive in time to save Cleopatra, who is happy to see Caesar alive. After Caesar exits, Cleopatra sings: 'Stormy winds my ship have shaken' ('Da tempeste il legno infranto').
Julius Caesar . . . Janet Baker
Cleopatra . . . Valerie Masterson
Chorus & Orchestra of the English National Opera
Victor Morris, Chorus Master
Charles Mackerras, Conductor
John Copley, Producer (Director)
Recorded at Limehouse Studios in 1984
in London's Docklands
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Janet baker is amazing but this is still miscast lol Should be a man playing that role.
nuggie9511 2 months ago in playlist 'Julius Caesar' Handel * ENO * [in English]
oh my god! Really good!!
areadene 1 year ago